Tiina Soini-Ikonen, Research Director at School of Education, Tampere University
Tell us briefly about your research topics and international work
I lead a research group that studies worthwhile and meaningful learning and its relationship to experienced wellbeing. We are particularly interested in the experiences of pupils, teachers, principals and school administrators in the changing educational environment. In recent years, we have studied the development of the school syllabus and the agency of teachers within that development, for instance. I work as part of several international networks where these matters are studied and considered, and different national practices and experiences are compared. At the moment, we are conducting an internationally collaborative research project on the experiences of teachers in the early stages of their career in Europe. We also handle questions regarding syllabus development in an extensive international network including experts from Europe as well as Canada and New Zealand, among others. I also edit the international Curriculum Journal and took part in organising the EARLI conference in Tampere in 2017, for example, which was attended by 2,200 international learning researchers.
Based on your vast experience, what makes Tampere an especially good location for international conferences?
Tampere provides an excellent framework for both conference work and other activities. Tampere boasts a large, multidisciplinary university, Tampere Hall, as well as an interesting history and vibrant urban culture. Tampere’s attitude towards organising scientific events has never been anything but supportive. The university’s guests are treated as guests of the city.
How would you describe Tampere as a city?
Tampere is of a suitable size, with plenty of options to choose from and its accessibility is good, since the city is simultaneously small and large. People coming from elsewhere often say that Tampere is uncomplicated, open and welcoming. Tampere is also a student city, and student culture is strongly visible in the city’s internationality, broad offering of culture, and night-life, to name but a few.
